Rainy Sunday of Memories

Today I stayed home from church and rested. A bad stomach flu has been going around. Joe and I fell back asleep after our family testimony meeting and lunch. I dreamed about going to a class with Joe and learning about teaching preschool. "I can do that!" I thought and woke up. I have been worrying over what to do with four year old Princess. I began looking into preschool certification and licensing for a small group that I could teach in the Fall. I am excited. In the evening, we headed out in the rain with violets and lilacs (the usual irises and baby roses haven't bloomed yet this very rainy Spring) to visit the graves of loved ones. The rain stopped and we talked about our loved ones and told stories on the way. A nice night. Our son slammed the microwave door and I mentioned,"what do you think the pioneers would think of that--put cold food into a box. Wait one minute. Take out steamy food!" Can you imagine what Pioneers woud think of t.v., cars, computers, smart phones (camera, MP3, calculator, agenda, computer--all in one)?

Pre-School Writing Princess

Princess knows that cousin Sam likes cats so she drew him one. Ballerina Girls Princess also drew a picture for Sam's older brother, cousin Eli. Can you see the alphabets, her name, his name, and her nail polish? It is interesting to watch children and see their learning development. Princess began pointing out individual letters and sounds during scripture time a year ago. Then she began to write her name and then spell out others names.

Grandmother's 70th Birthday Tea Party

Connie's Tea Party Menu:

South of the Border

Peach Salsa with Tortilla chips,

Lemon Crisp with Berries, and Lemon Water Pumpkin Chocolate Pecan muffins and

Cut up Fruit Chicken Enchiladas with Rice in Romaine wraps Creme Brulee with Berries, lemon cookies, and

Peppermint Tea

Candies: Cherry and Pecan Divinity, and Jordan Almonds

We started off with these little gems: Hor'dourves we could call Lemon Tartlettes (seriously delicious: thin lemon zest crackers topped with Greek honey yogurt, lemon curd, peppermint, and fruit) We also munched on Soaked Pumpkin Chocolate chip muffins, cherry and pecan divinity, fresh fruit, peach salsa and chips, and we drank lemon water. This year Amy has little Quin (about 3months). Last year, I had little Eva (two months old) when she hosted the party. Don't remember? See here Beth and Lolly, Grandma and Annabell. Eva and Hannah Lisa's Andrew, Cami, and Lucy. Kaya and Hyea Won Aunt Melissa Chicken Enchilladas and Romaine (toppings include: cilantro, sliced olives, and sour cream) Peach Salsa and Chips The kitchen torch was low on propane so we tried broiling them which was mostly successful Creme Brule'e with Berries and Peppermint Tea, of course. (Because I was hostess, there are no pictures of me, or Aunt Lisa, Rebekah, or others that came. Next year I will give it another go and capture all the guests). Special thanks to Melissa for the cut up fruit, Hyea Won for the rice, Lisa for the chips and fish cupcakes, Mom Campbell for the yogurt, sour cream, and lemon cookies. They were delicious!

A Teens' Birthday

Propel Waters, Gummy bears, Be Something book, earrings, nail polish, makeup bag and shopping money to buy Tom's shoes in black. What more could a girl want really? What does a "teen" want for her birthday? A new "do" (hair cut with bangs) and highlights, of course!"Hey, are those new feather earrings?" "Cool!" We helped lower Drama Queens expectations this year by reminding her what a blessing it is that she has freedom, public education, gospel influence, parents who love her (and each other), a nice family and a good home. She had a great day Saturday and her cake on Sunday.

We Have a Teenager!

Dear Daughter, We enjoy your bright, enthusiastic, sometimes silly ways. You are a graceful dancer, good student, big sister, babysitter, and wonderful friend. We love YOU! Happy Birthday. Our oldest is officially a "teenager!" She wanted hair highlights for her present. It is still strange to see a "skunk blond" around the house. What a fine young lady she is turning out to be.

The Extravaganza (and extra stuff this time of year)!

One of the "bad guys" from "501" explained that George Lucas allows them to recreate costumes from Star Wars if they participate in charity events. There is also a "Rebel" chapter locally. Baby's walking. Big sister face painted little sister. "Buddies" enjoying bags of pink and blue cotton candy.

I have not been blogging because each day until the end of the school year is a race these days...plays, recitals, rehearsals, concerts, you name it! Last Friday Joe got home from a work retreat and we took the children to the schools' annual fundraiser carnival where we got to buy our cupcake cake back for $20. (A real steal of a price for the fixing cost a lot more than that).

Winning Cakes

Abby's Suessical Fondant cake " Notice the "Not Your Regular" sign on these Krispy Kremes. The custom box kept kids from touching the cakes and each cake was a different flavor and decorated differently--amazing! Bekah really wanted to do a caterpillar cupcake cake--maybe next time! The soda was Strawberry Kiwi Shasta and Knox gelatin. It had a different flavor ice cubes ontop of the "soda." The "fries" were cut pound cake with a "fry sauce" on the side. Cute ideas.

Sweet Shop Cake

It is a tradition at our elementary school for the Fifth graders to bake cakes to be sold at the school fundraiser carnival either at auction or used for the cake walk.

My sister, Lisa, saw this cupcake cake called "Sweet Shop" that she thought would fit the bill. Here is our sweet lady and her cake.

If I made this again, I would have Bekah frost the layer of rice krispy treats and I would buy white cake separators and use them as "cake plates" to display the cupcakes. (The sugar cookie trays and doughnuts made the cake too busy and took away from the cupcakes.)